Businesses are constantly looking for ways to show appreciation to their clients and corporate gifting is one of the best ways to strengthen or create new business relations. Corporate gift giving is not only at holiday times but throughout the year to accompany all occasions such as welcoming a new employee, a promotion, to show appreciation to the employee of the month, to motivate or encourage employees, to celebrate a business anniversary, a birthday, a retirement, the opening of a new office and tradeshow giveaways. The reasons are just endless. Non monetary rewards can have a great impact on clients and employees and will therefore in return build priceless long term loyalty.

Corporate gift etiquette includes the following:

1. Set a clear goal for your gift giving.
2. Make sure the recipients company policy allows gift giving, to be on the safe side send items that can be shared within the office, such as, gourmet gift baskets or industry trade magazine subscription.
3. Keep in mind cultural, religious and dietary restrictions.
4. Include a personal note with every gift you send stating briefly the reason for sending the gift.
5. The gift presentation is extremely important since it is the first impression the receiver gets. Consider adding your company’s logo on the ribbon and promotional items.
6. Go the extra mile, listen during conversations to the recipient’s favorite hobby and try to incorporate it in the gift.
7. Be careful when giving humorous gifts, in a multi-cultured environment funny for you can just simply mean embarrassing or insulting for someone else.
8. Be careful not to create the wrong impression with a gift and avoid overstated gifts that could be interpreted as bribery.
9. If the gift is for a group of people try to send a gourmet gift basket where they can all share, make sure the items are non perishable and do not require preparation.

10. Sending a gift to a customer during the negotiation process might be considered as a bribe and is not appropriate.

Corporate gift shopping guide

1. Corporate gift baskets can be formed by using any size of baskets. When choosing the size, keep in mind the size of the company and/or amount of individuals who will be receiving your basket to make sure that everyone is able to have a piece of the treat.
2. Candy, cookies, and coffee/tea products are very good items for corporate gift baskets, as these are all items which employees can share and indulge in within a corporate atmosphere.
3. If you want to impress your recipient, you can choose to add gourmet foods in the basket. It is a great way to show off your knowledge of fancy cuisine!
4. One type of a famous corporate gift basket that never goes out of style is simply the fruit basket. As more individuals these days are health-conscious, you can guarantee that you can never go wrong with this type of basket.
5. You can also consider a spa-related corporate gift basket for all your hard working employees that deserve a break. Show them that they deserve a day of relaxation with a spa basket.
6. A corporate gift basket filled with healthy food items is an excellent idea for the companies who deal with healthy products and services. It's a great way to say that you value and be in agreement with their philosophies.